There’s something magical about hanging plants. They add dimension, depth, and a splash of life to spaces that would otherwise be overlooked. Whether you’re living in a compact apartment or just looking to maximize your home’s green potential, hanging houseplants offer a creative and beautiful way to bring nature indoors. From cascading vines to trailing blooms, the possibilities are endless.
I remember the first time I hung a plant in my living room—a humble pothos I suspended from the ceiling near my window. It completely transformed the space, drawing the eye upward and filling the room with a sense of calm and greenery. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with incorporating hanging plants into my home. Now, I’m excited to share some of the best hanging plants you can grow indoors, and how to make them thrive.
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My Journey with Hanging Plants: From One to Many
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t always sold on the idea of hanging plants. My first attempt at indoor gardening focused more on potted plants sitting on shelves, tables, or the floor. But as my plant collection grew (and my floor space didn’t), I started looking for creative ways to expand my little indoor jungle. That’s when I discovered the world of hanging plants.
What started as one pothos quickly turned into a collection of trailing beauties: hoyas, spider plants, and string of pearls. The more I added, the more I realized that hanging plants could transform an entire room’s aesthetic while making the most of vertical space. I soon realized that these plants not only looked gorgeous, but they also created a soothing, green atmosphere that made my home feel more alive.
If you’re looking to elevate your space—literally—these 8 stunning hanging plants are perfect for adding life, texture, and personality to any room.
1. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Let’s start with a classic. The Golden Pothos, also known as the devil’s ivy, is the quintessential hanging plant for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike. Its heart-shaped leaves feature stunning green and yellow variegation, and it’s virtually indestructible. I’ve hung mine in the corner of my living room, and it has taken off with minimal effort.
What makes pothos great for hanging is how its vines gracefully cascade down, creating a waterfall of greenery. Plus, it’s super forgiving—it can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making it a perfect choice for anyone still mastering the art of plant care.
Pro Tip:
If you want to encourage longer vines, give your pothos a bit more light, and occasionally prune back leggy growth to encourage bushier growth.
2. String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)
For something a little more unique, try the String of Pearls. This plant features delicate, bead-like foliage that spills down from the pot in elegant, trailing strands. It’s a succulent, which means it thrives on neglect—perfect if you’re prone to overwatering (guilty!).
In my home, I’ve found that placing string of pearls in bright, indirect light helps it grow quickly. Just be sure to let the soil dry out completely between waterings, as it’s prone to root rot if overwatered. The playful, cascading strings of this plant make it a show-stopper, perfect for hanging planters or even a bookshelf where the vines can trail down.
Pro Tip:
String of pearls can be finicky about light—too little, and they’ll stretch out; too much direct sunlight, and they may burn. Find a happy medium with filtered light for best results.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
I can’t talk about hanging plants without mentioning the classic Spider Plant. This plant is an indoor gardening staple, not just for its striking green-and-white-striped foliage but for how easy it is to care for. Spider plants are fast-growing, resilient, and even purify the air—what more could you ask for?
What makes spider plants ideal for hanging is the “babies” or plantlets they produce on the ends of their long, arching leaves. As these babies grow, they’ll dangle down, giving the plant a dynamic, cascading appearance. I have one hanging in my bedroom, and I love watching it produce new babies throughout the year.
Pro Tip:
Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to be watered regularly. However, they can survive a bit of neglect—perfect for forgetful plant parents.
4. String of Hearts (Ceropegia Woodii)
If you’re after something delicate and romantic, the String of Hearts is an absolute dream. With its heart-shaped leaves in shades of silver and green, this trailing plant adds a touch of whimsy to any space. I’ve hung mine in a spot with dappled light, and its vines have grown long, intertwining like a love letter from nature.
The string of hearts grows best in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil. If you let the soil dry out between waterings, it will reward you with happy, trailing vines. It’s also fairly low-maintenance, making it ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves.
Pro Tip:
If your string of hearts starts getting leggy, don’t be afraid to trim it back. You can even propagate the cuttings to grow more plants!
5. Hoya Carnosa (Wax Plant)
For a touch of the tropics, the Hoya Carnosa is an exceptional hanging plant choice. Its thick, waxy leaves and long, trailing vines create a lush, tropical vibe, while its fragrant, star-shaped flowers add a delightful bonus when it blooms. In my experience, hoyas are slow growers, but they’re incredibly rewarding once established.
Hoyas thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to dry out between waterings. The vines can grow long over time, making them perfect for hanging baskets where they can drape down elegantly.
Pro Tip:
Hoyas love to be left alone—don’t overwater or fuss with them too much, and they’ll reward you with blooms and vigorous growth.
6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
If you’re looking for a hanging plant that adds a touch of elegance and softness to your space, the Boston Fern is the way to go. Its lush, feathery fronds spill out of hanging baskets, creating a classic, timeless look. In my experience, ferns can be a bit particular about their environment, but with the right care, they thrive.
Boston ferns love humidity and indirect light, so they’re great for bathrooms or kitchens. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and mist the fronds regularly to mimic their natural humid environment.
Pro Tip:
If your Boston fern starts dropping leaves, it might need more humidity. Place it near a humidifier or mist it daily to keep it looking its best.
7. Dischidia Nummularia (String of Nickels)
For something truly unique, the String of Nickels offers an exotic twist to hanging plants. This trailing plant gets its name from its round, flat leaves that resemble nickels hanging on a string. It’s a perfect option if you’re looking to add some texture and character to your hanging plant collection.
Dischidia nummularia thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out between waterings. Like many hanging plants, it’s fairly low-maintenance, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced plant lovers.
Pro Tip:
This plant loves airflow, so make sure it’s placed in an area with good ventilation to prevent any issues with pests or mold.
8. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
If you want a plant that can climb, drape, and cascade, English Ivy is your go-to. Its lush, fast-growing vines make it a perfect addition to hanging baskets, trellises, or even a trailing plant wall. I’ve found that English ivy is incredibly versatile—it can thrive in various light conditions and is surprisingly low-maintenance.
In my own home, I’ve placed ivy in a bright spot where it cascades down a bookshelf, creating a dramatic green curtain effect. With regular watering and the occasional pruning, this plant will grow like wildfire.
Pro Tip:
Be cautious with ivy as it can grow aggressively. Regular trimming will help control its growth while encouraging bushier, fuller vines.
Final Thoughts: Why Hanging Plants Are Essential for Indoor Spaces
Incorporating hanging plants into your indoor garden is a fantastic way to add depth, greenery, and visual interest to any room. Whether you’re limited on floor space or simply looking for a creative way to display your favorite plants, hanging them is both practical and beautiful. From classic pothos to exotic string of pearls, there’s a hanging plant out there for every plant lover.
My home is now filled with hanging baskets, cascading vines, and lush, green leaves—each plant adding its own charm to the space. The best part? Hanging plants don’t just look good—they create a peaceful, soothing atmosphere that helps me feel more connected to nature, even when I’m indoors.
Valeria Ferreira is a plant enthusiast and content creator who fell in love with greenery during the pandemic. With a passion for succulents, indoor plants, and floral art, she shares tips and inspiration on blending nature with home decor.